An Idaho judge has ruled that the trial for Bryan Kohberger, accused of the November 2022 murder of four University of Idaho students, will begin as planned in August. Judge Steven Hippler dismissed the defense's request for a delay, stressing that the evidence brought forth regarding alternate suspects was irrelevant and speculative. The defense expressed concerns about the right to a fair trial due to media coverage and ongoing evidence review, but Hippler noted that delays might exacerbate public speculation. Kohberger faces four murder charges, with the possibility of the death penalty.
"Nothing links these individuals to the homicides or otherwise gives rise to a reasonable inference that they committed the crime; indeed, it would take nothing short of rank speculation by the jury to make such a finding," Hippler wrote in the order.
"The longer the public is made to sit and wait for the facts of this case, the greater the chance for more speculation."
Defense attorney Anne Taylor had asked the judge to delay the proceedings, arguing that extensive publicity could taint the proceedings and impede their ability to secure an impartial jury.
Kohberger, 30, is charged with four counts of murder, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty.
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